Ex-governor: New Cabinet won’t solve Ruto woes
By James Wanjiku, July 31, 2024Former Laikipia governor Ndiritu Murithi yesterday called for a Peoples’ National Convention to resolve the current crisis facing President William Ruto’s leadership.
Ndiritu said such a convention ought to address the current status of the country’s economy.
According to Ndiritu, the Head of State’s move to reconstitute Cabinet will not offer solutions to persistent agitations made by Kenyans countrywide.
Ndiritu argued that the convention is needed urgently to resolve the impasse which includes the nationwide protests by Gen Z.
“The efforts to reconstitute the government have not reduced public anger, but rather, the opposite effect. A well convened, time bound, People’s Convention to agree on economic steps necessary to revive the economy, may create the legitimacy necessary to move the nation forward,” Ndiritu said.
Pending bills
The former county boss said the recent move by Gen Z to storm Parliament and the Supreme Court signalled seriously undermined the legitimacy of the Legislature and Judiciary.
He said the public’s rejection of the controversial Finance Bill 2024 and continued protests against President Ruto’s administration poked holes on the leadership of the Executive arm of government.
“A home-grown version is the Bomas Constitutional Conference. It will consider the urgent reforms necessary to modernise our economy and politics,” Ndiritu said.
He said the convention should focus on the high cost of living, rejuvenating manufacturing and job creation and the proposals of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report.
Consequently, Ndiritu said, the convention’s resolutions will be enshrined into a referendum.
Pending bills
The convention, Ndiritu proposes, should be held by August 15 this year, and should comprise 3,921 delegates drawn from various parts of the country.
The delegates should, according to the former governor, include youths, clergy, MPs, MCAs, the business community, farmers, pastoralists, marginalised communities, the national Executive, political parties, independent commissions, professionals from organisations and the majority of representatives drawn from the 290 constituencies.
Ndiritu said the delegates should enact the People’s Convention Act in accordance to Article 1 of the Constitution.
“We will also demand the release of arrested peaceful Kenyans and prosecution of errant officers during the nationwide protests,” the economist said.